Pleasure in the Pause: Midlife Conversations About Menopause, Sex & Pleasure

Pleasure in the Pause: Midlife Conversations About Menopause, Sex & Pleasure

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Pleasure in the Pause: Midlife Conversations About Menopause, Sex & Pleasure episodes

  • 75 | Nervous System Regulation for Menopause: Reduce Stress and Increase Pleasure

    Are you struggling with anxiety, sleeplessness, and low libido in perimenopause—even after starting hormone therapy? You're doing everything right, but still feel wired, exhausted, and disconnected from pleasure. The missing piece might surprise you: it's your nervous system.

    In this episode of Pleasure in the Pause, host Gabriela Espinosa reveals why balancing hormones alone isn't enough. Groundbreaking research from UC San Francisco shows that your nervous system is literally woven into your ovaries, directly influencing how you age, how you experience menopause symptoms, and how much pleasure you can access in your body. If you've felt like your body is betraying you in midlife, this conversation will change how you understand stress, hormones, and intimacy forever.

    Are you ready to awaken your sensuality and feel more empowered in your body? Access the FREE Pleasure Upgrade Bundle at https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/gift.

    Highlights from our discussion include:

    • Your nervous system and hormones are in constant conversation. Declining estrogen makes your nervous system more reactive to stress, which is why you suddenly feel more anxious and on edge in perimenopause—it's biology, not "in your head."
    • New research reveals your stress response is wired into your ovaries. Scientists at UC San Francisco discovered that sympathetic nerves (fight-or-flight) form dense networks in your ovaries and directly influence how they age. Chronic stress doesn't just affect your mood—it affects your ovarian health and longevity.
    • Pleasure requires nervous system safety. When you're stuck in fight, flight, or freeze, your body can't access pleasure or intimacy. You need to feel safe in your body first before you can experience arousal, desire, and deep connection.
    • You need both calm AND charge. The goal isn't to always be relaxed—you need sympathetic energy for desire and aliveness, and parasympathetic energy for rest and connection. True nervous system health is flexibility: moving fluidly between states.
    • Simple practices make a profound difference. Grounding exercises like feeling your feet on the floor, humming to stimulate your vagus nerve, taking micro-pauses throughout the day, and naming your nervous system state can help you shift from survival mode to safety and pleasure.

    Your nervous system isn't something to fix or control—it's something to befriend and partner with. It's your body's way of speaking to you, telling you when you need rest, movement, connection, or pleasure. This week, practice one simple tool: when you feel overwhelmed, pause and feel your feet on the ground. Notice the contact. Take three deep breaths. This small act tells your nervous system you're safe—and that's where healing and pleasure begin.

    CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:

    Instagram

    LinkedIn

    Work with Gabriella! 

    Full episodes on YouTube.

    The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

    29 min
  • 74 | Dating After Divorce in Midlife: Rebuilding Identity, Desire & Connection with Dr. Jasmonae Joyriel

    Rediscovering yourself after divorce—especially during midlife and menopause—can feel overwhelming. When decades of partnership end, you're left asking: Who am I now? What do I really want? And if you're thinking about dating again, how do you navigate desire, boundaries, and intimacy in this completely new chapter?

    Dr. Jasmonae Joyriel, licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Ignite Anew, helps high-performing individuals and couples transform their relationships, friendships, and sex lives. A Spelman alumna with advanced degrees from Northwestern University and the University of Denver, she brings nearly a decade of experience across mental health centers, VA hospitals, and private practice. Specializing in how past experiences shape present needs, Dr. Joyriel offers a holistic, evidence-based, and embodied approach that goes beyond mindset to create mind-health. She delivers personalized therapy, couples work, and immersive retreats that empower clients to navigate sex, dating, friendships, and personal growth with depth and lasting fulfillment.

    Highlights from our discussion include:

    • Before entering the dating world, reconnect with who you are now—not who you were in your twenties or thirties. Explore what brings you to life, revisit shelved dreams, and give yourself permission to want what you truly desire. If you don't know how to date yourself, you can't authentically date someone else.
    • You're ready when you're dating because it adds to your life (not anchors it), when you've identified your contribution to past relationship dynamics, and when you can articulate how you want to date—casually, for commitment, or somewhere in between. Dating should feel like "sprinkles on top," not the whole pie.
    • Your values have likely evolved since your last relationship. Clarify what matters now: What does generosity look like in a partner? What inspires you versus deprives you? Defining these before dating ensures your compass points north every time.
    • Menopause, body changes, and shifting desire call for a more expansive "erotic pantry." Move beyond penetrative sex to include sensual massage, kissing, touch, and varied forms of pleasure. Consent isn't binary—it's created fresh each time by asking, "What do I want to do today?"
    • Have adult conversations about sexual health, testing, and relationship structures within the first few dates. Discuss these topics in non-sexual settings (over coffee, during a walk) so decisions aren't made in heated moments. Your safety and agency matter, and the right partner will respect that.

    CONNECT WITH DR JASMONAE JOYRIEL:

    Website

    Instagram

    LinkedIn

    CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:

    Instagram

    LinkedIn

    Work with Gabriella! 

    The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

    Full episodes on YouTube.

    The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

    1 hr 21 min
  • 73 | Lifestyle Medicine for Menopause: 6 Pillars to Restore Energy, Sleep & Hormonal Balance

    The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

    Are you struggling with anxiety, brain fog, sleepless nights, and exhausting hot flashes during perimenopause or menopause? Feeling like your body has betrayed you while everyone tells you to "just deal with it"? You're not alone—and there's so much more you can do than you've been told.

    In this special World Menopause Day episode of Pleasure and the Pause, host Gabriela Espinoza breaks down the six pillars of lifestyle medicine for menopause—the evidence-based framework that can transform your menopause experience. Whether you're dealing with weight gain, low libido, joint pain, or feeling like you've lost yourself in midlife, this episode reveals practical, actionable strategies to reclaim your energy, vitality, and pleasure during this transition.

    Are you ready to awaken your sensuality and feel more empowered in your body? Access the FREE Pleasure Upgrade Bundle at https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/gift.

    Highlights from our discussion include:

    • Menopause is more than hot flashes—it's a full-spectrum transformation. The good news? Lifestyle medicine offers powerful, evidence-based tools to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
    • Nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, avoiding risky substances, and social connection work together to ease symptoms, reduce chronic disease risk, and support long-term health.
    • Mediterranean-style eating rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce hot flashes, while ultra-processed foods worsen symptoms. Start your day with protein and add magnesium-rich foods for better sleep.
    • Sexual wellness and pleasure are fundamental to your overall health—reducing stress, improving sleep, boosting energy, and connecting you to your purpose. Your capacity for intimacy and joy doesn't diminish with age.
    • Menopause offers profound opportunities for self-knowledge, clarity, boundaries, and freedom. When approached with intention, this can be one of the most transformative times of your life.

    You have more power than you've been told. Menopause isn't something that simply happens to you—it's a passage you get to shape through the daily choices you make. Start today by implementing just one action step from the six pillars discussed in this episode.

    Ready to transform your menopause experience with support from a community that truly understands? Visit pleasureinthepause.com to explore coaching programs and group courses designed specifically for midlife women. Share this episode with a woman who needs to hear that thriving through menopause is possible—because your pleasure matters, your wellbeing matters, and YOU matter.

    If you're seeking to reclaim your pleasure and vitality, join Gabriella at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.pleasureinthepause.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for this enlightening journey into the heart of female pleasure and empowerment.

    CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:

    Instagram

    LinkedIn

    Work with Gabriella! 

    Full episodes on YouTube.

    The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

    33 min
  • 72 | Second Spring: Transforming Menopause Through Yoga and Mindfulness with Petra Coveney

    The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

    Struggling with hot flashes, anxiety, sleepless nights, or joint pain during perimenopause or menopause? In this episode of Pleasure In the Pause, host Gabriella Espinosa welcomes menopause yoga pioneer Petra Coveney to explore how ancient yoga practices can ease common menopause symptoms and support your journey through midlife. Discover why stress management is the foundation of menopause wellness, learn breath work techniques that calm anxiety in minutes, and explore the beautiful concept of "Second Spring"—a reframing of post-menopause as a time of reblossoming and renewed vitality.

    Petra Coveney is the creator of Menopause Yoga™ (2013), a senior yoga teacher, trainer and author of two books on menopause.

    Her first book ‘Menopause Yoga - a Holistic Guide to Supporting Women on their Menopause Journey,’ (2021) accompanies her internationally accredited teachers’ training course. She has trained more than 1,000 Menopause Yoga teachers in over 40 countries and her course was translated into Japanese.

    Her NEW (very pink) book ‘Menopause & Wellbeing - a Daily Practice Guide for Perimenopause to Second Spring’ is published this month (October). ‘She' is friendly bedside table guide for people going through this stage of life, and for teachers and therapists working one-to-one.stage of life.

    Highlights from our discussion include:

    • Hormonal changes during menopause create an internal stress response that, combined with life stressors, can worsen every symptom from hot flashes to insomnia through elevated cortisol and inflammation.
    • Simple practices like the "hot flush mantra," 3-minute anxiety meditation, and birthday candle breath for rage provide evidence-based relief in minutes and can be done discreetly anywhere.
    • Drawing from Traditional Chinese Medicine, post-menopause can be reframed as a time of rebirth and reblossoming when you prioritize your health and wellbeing through the transition.
    • Beyond physical relief, yoga reconnects you with your inner wisdom and helps you cultivate daily pleasure—whether through dancing, nature, or intimacy—strengthening your capacity for vitality and love.
    • Gentle pelvic floor practices using breath work and imagery support genitourinary symptoms, sexual pleasure, and overall wellbeing without shame or stigma.

    Your body already has the wisdom you need. The answers are within you—you just need to breathe, listen, and trust yourself. Remember: Second Spring is real, but it requires you to care for your health and wellbeing as you travel through perimenopause and menopause.

    CONNECT WITH PETRA COVENEY:

    Instagram

    You can buy her books on Amazon -  or from the publishers’ website www.singingdragon.com and receive a 25% discount. Just use this code %25PETRA. 

    To join her live online classes and teacher training courses visit www.menopause-yoga.com and follower her on Instagram @menopause_yoga

    CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:

    Instagram

    LinkedIn

    Work with Gabriella! 

    Full episodes on YouTube.

    The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

    1 hr 6 min
  • 71 | Breaking Cultural Barriers: Gaby Natale on Resilience, Reinvention, and Menopause

    Navigating menopause as a Latina woman often means facing it alone—without adequate information, representation, or community support. On this episode of Pleasure in the Pause, host Gabriela Espinosa sits down with Emmy-winning journalist and entrepreneur Gaby Natale to discuss how she's revolutionizing menopause education for Latinas through her groundbreaking bilingual platform, Menopausia.com.

    Whether you're struggling with medically-induced menopause after breast cancer treatment, searching for reliable information in Spanish, or simply tired of outdated depictions of midlife women, this conversation offers validation, solutions, and a roadmap for reclaiming your power during this transformative life stage. Gaby shares her journey from breast cancer survivor to menopause advocate, revealing why Latinas experience longer transitions and how breaking the silence can literally save lives.

    Are you ready to awaken your sensuality and feel more empowered in your body? Access the FREE Pleasure Upgrade Bundle at https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/gift.


    Gaby Natale is a three-time Daytime Emmy Award-winning journalist, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and leadership speaker. She made history as the first Latina to win three consecutive Daytime Emmys and the first Hispanic author published by HarperCollins Leadership. Recognized by People Magazine as one of the 25 Most Powerful Latinas and by Success Magazine as a Woman of Influence, Gaby is also a breast cancer survivor and official ambassador for Susan G. Komen.

    Most recently, she founded Menopausia.com, the first bilingual FemTech platform dedicated to Latinas navigating perimenopause and menopause. Her bestselling book, The Virtuous Circle, provides a framework for reinvention and breaking barriers. Connect with her on Instagram @gabynatale and explore Menopausia.com for comprehensive menopause resources in English and Spanish.

    Highlights from our discussion include:

    • Stop waiting for permission or copying what others do. Real transformation happens when you trust your own vision before the world validates it.
    • The menopause transition lasts approximately two years longer for Latina women, with the average age being 48 instead of 51. 
    • Women in the US typically see 4-5 different doctors before finding adequate menopause solutions.
    • Gaby's "Virtuous Circle" model identifies seven archetypes that drive successful transformation.
    • The depressing, outdated imagery typically used to portray menopausal women perpetuates shame and invisibility.


    Menopause doesn't have to be navigated in isolation or shame. By sharing our stories, breaking cultural silence, and accessing reliable bilingual resources, we can ensure the next generation of women enters this transition with knowledge, community, and confidence.

    Learn more about Menopausia.com here:

    https://menopausia.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menopausiacom/

    Connect with Gaby here: 

    https://www.instagram.com/gabynatale/

    https://www.youtube.com/@GabyNataleOK


    Buy Gaby's book The Virtuous Circle here: https://a.co/d/1XFKKNF

    CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:

    Instagram

    LinkedIn

    Work with Gabriella! 

    Full episodes on YouTube.

    The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

    50 min
  • 70 | Is Silence Costing You Your Health (and Your Pleasure)?

    Did you know that 75% of midlife women experience sexual health changes, but only 7% receive treatment. Why? Because we're staying silent. In this episode of Pleasure In the Pause, certified women's health coach Gabriela Espinosa reveals how this silence is costing us our health, relationships, and vitality. Learn why sexual health isn't optional—it's essential to your overall wellbeing in perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.

    Pleasure Upgrade VIP Coaching Program: One-to-one coaching experience to help you understand your unique sexual blueprint and create deeper, more satisfying intimacy

    Highlights from our discussion include:

    • The Hidden Crisis: 75% of midlife women have sexual health changes, but most suffer in silence—leading to depression, anxiety, and relationship breakdown
    • Healthcare Gaps: Only 25% of medical schools teach sexual health; 80% of doctors won't bring it up unless you do first
    • The Pleasure Gap: 73% of women prioritize their partner's pleasure over their own, missing out on satisfaction that's essential to their vitality
    • Breaking Generational Silence: Your silence around sexuality was passed down through generations—it's time to break the cycle
    • The Power of Speaking Up: Women who discuss sexual health show 67% improvement in desire and 58% increase in satisfaction within 12 weeks

    This Sexual Health Awareness Month, choose one conversation you've been avoiding. Whether it's scheduling that appointment, having an honest talk with your partner, or simply speaking more kindly to yourself about your evolving body—your voice matters. Every time you speak openly about your sexual health, you give another woman permission to do the same and break a link in the generational silence chain.

    Your silence has cost you enough. It's time for your satisfaction.

    Ready to dive deeper? Subscribe to Pleasure In the Pause and share this episode with the women in your life who need to hear this message. Together, we're moving from silence to satisfaction.

    If you're seeking to reclaim your pleasure and vitality, join Gabriella at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.pleasureinthepause.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for this enlightening journey into the heart of female pleasure and empowerment.

    CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:

    Instagram

    LinkedIn

    Work with Gabriella! 

    Full episodes on YouTube.

    The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

    26 min
  • 69 | The Girlfriend Doctor's Essential Guide to Intimate Wellness for Midlife Women with Dr. Anna Cabeca

    Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause. 

    Are you standing in the pharmacy aisle, staring at rows of intimate care products, feeling overwhelmed and confused about what's actually safe for your changing menopausal body? If vaginal dryness, discomfort, or declining intimacy have left you frustrated and searching for answers, this episode of Pleasure In the Pause will transform your approach to intimate wellness during menopause.

    Gabriella Espinosa sits down with the renowned "girlfriend doctor," Dr. Anna Cabeca, to demystify vulvar care, vaginal health, and sexual wellness for midlife women. This comprehensive conversation covers everything from understanding your vaginal microbiome to choosing the right products for your changing body, giving you the knowledge and confidence to prioritize your intimate health during perimenopause and beyond.

    Receive 15% off JULVA Vulva Revitalizing Cream with code PLEASURE here

    Receive 15% off all products from the Girlfriend Dr. with code PLEASURE here 

    Dr. Anna Cabeca is a triple board-certified physician specializing in gynecology, obstetrics, integrative medicine, and anti-aging and regenerative medicine. As the bestselling author of "The Hormone Fix" and "Keto Green 16," Dr. Anna brings over 20 years of clinical experience helping women navigate menopause and sexual health challenges. Known as "the girlfriend doctor" for her warm, direct, and humorous approach, Dr. Anna has personally experienced menopause twice, giving her both clinical expertise and lived experience. She's the creator of Julva vulvar care cream and the upcoming Velvet lubricant, products specifically designed for midlife women's changing bodies. Dr. Anna currently practices clinically and regularly lectures to physicians on women's intimate health.

    Highlights from our discussion include:

    • Understanding your vaginal microbiome and how it changes during midlife.
    • The difference between vulvar and vaginal care.
    • Red flag intimate product ingredients to avoid.
    • Why DHEA as a game-changer for midlife women.
    • How to eliminate hormone-distrupting products from your routine.

    If you're seeking to reclaim your pleasure and vitality, join Gabriella at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.pleasureinthepause.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for this enlightening journey into the heart of female pleasure and empowerment.

    CONNECT WITH DR ANNA CABECA:

    Website

    Instagram

    Products

    Books

    CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:

    Instagram

    LinkedIn

    Work with Gabriella! 

    Full episodes on YouTube.

    The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

    46 min
  • 68 | Finding Your Way Back to Pleasure After Surgical Menopause with Dr. Juliana Hauser

    Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause. 

    If you're one of the 600,000 women who undergo hysterectomies annually in the US—with 73% having their ovaries removed—you may feel completely unprepared for the sexual and emotional changes that follow surgical menopause. On Pleasure and the Pause, we're breaking the silence around this isolating journey. Host Gabriella Espinosa sits down with Dr. Juliana Hauser, a nationally recognized sex therapist who personally navigated surgical menopause, to explore how women can reclaim their sexuality, rediscover pleasure, and find their way back to themselves after this life-changing procedure.

    Are you ready to awaken your sensuality and feel more empowered in your body? Access the FREE Pleasure Upgrade Bundle at https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/gift.

    Dr. Juliana Hauser, a nationally recognized expert in relationships, sex, and holistic sexuality. Dr. Juliana is a Ph.D. in Counseling Education who has built an extraordinary career spanning academia, clinical leadership, and community advocacy. She leads a thriving private practice where she works with individuals and couples navigating complex life experiences, and in September, she's releasing her highly anticipated book, "A New Position on Sex: A Guide to Greater Sexual Confidence, Pleasure, and Authenticity."

    Highlights from our discussion include:

    • Understand surgical options and their impact on hormonal health and sexual function before a hysterectomy.
    • Prioritize sexual health in medical conversations, asking specific questions about post-surgery effects.
    • Proactively build a support team including a menopause doula, pelvic floor therapist, and mental health professional.
    • Embrace self-discovery regarding sexual agency after surgical menopause, approaching changes with curiosity.
    • Advocate for proper hormone management, insisting on regular tests and speaking up if something feels off.

    Surgical menopause doesn't have to mean the end of your sexual story—it can be the beginning of a new chapter written entirely on your terms. Remember: your sexuality isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. Whether you're considering this surgery or supporting someone who is, know that pleasure, confidence, and sexual fulfillment are absolutely possible on the other side.


    If you're seeking to reclaim your pleasure and vitality, join Gabriella at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.pleasureinthepause.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for this enlightening journey into the heart of female pleasure and empowerment.


    CONNECT WITH DR. JULIANA HAUSER:

    Website

    Instagram

    Book

    TED Talk: Agency


    CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:

    Instagram

    LinkedIn

    Work with Gabriella! 

    Full episodes on YouTube.

    The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

    1 hr 4 min
  • 67 | From Empty Nest to Open Door: Reclaiming Your Whole Self After College Drop-Off

    Are you struggling with the emotional rollercoaster of your children leaving for college? Feeling lost, heartbroken, and uncertain about your identity beyond motherhood? You're not alone. In this powerful episode of Pleasure in the Pause, host Gabriella Espinosa addresses one of midlife women's most challenging transitions - the empty nest syndrome.

    Are you ready to awaken your sensuality and feel more empowered in your body? Access the FREE Pleasure Upgrade Bundle at https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/gift.

    Discover how to navigate the complex emotions of watching your children gain independence while you reclaim parts of yourself you thought were lost forever. Learn why this transition doesn't have to mean emptiness, but can instead become an "open door" to rediscovering your sensual self, reigniting intimacy, and stepping into your most vibrant chapter yet. This episode is essential listening for midlife mothers ready to transform grief into growth and rediscover their pleasure and power.

    Highlights from our discussion include:

    • Reframe this transition as an "open door" to emphasize freedom, tenderness, and possibility rather than loss and emptiness.
    • Allow yourself to experience the full spectrum of emotions without judgment during this major identity shift, as it's normal to feel both overjoyed and heartbroken simultaneously.
    • This transition offers the opportunity to integrate all parts of yourself, including your sensual and sexual self, which may have been "orphaned" during motherhood.
    • Recognize that when children leave, you can finally relax fully into your body and be completely present with your partner, understanding how maternal hypervigilance affects intimacy.
    • Establish consistent connection, such as weekly video calls, while allowing your adult children to lead their own independence journey and giving them emotional space to grow.
    • Use this newfound mental and physical space to pursue deferred dreams, whether it's starting a business, deepening friendships, exploring creativity, or rediscovering pure joy.

    Your children leaving home doesn't signal the end of your most vibrant years - it marks the beginning of a new chapter where you get to integrate the wisdom you've gained as a mother with the aliveness you've been storing up. This week, ask yourself: "What would bring me pure joy if I gave myself permission to explore it?" Remember, when you're connected to your own desires and dreams, you model something beautiful for your children about what it means to be a woman who continues to grow throughout her life.


    If you're seeking to reclaim your pleasure and vitality, join Gabriella at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.pleasureinthepause.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for this enlightening journey into the heart of female pleasure and empowerment.


    CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:

    Instagram

    LinkedIn

    Work with Gabriella! 



    Full episodes on YouTube.

    The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

    23 min
  • 66 | When Your Hormone Therapy Isn't Working: A Deep Dive into Optimization with Dr. Jila Senemar

    Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause. 

    Have you been on hormone therapy for months (or even years) but still feel terrible? If you're dealing with brain fog, 3 AM wake-ups, energy crashes, and that stubborn weight around your middle despite being on HRT, this conversation is exactly what you need to hear.

    I sat down with Dr. Jila Senemar, and honestly, this interview changed how I think about hormone optimization. We talked about why so many women are being undertreated, why your doctor might not be checking your levels, and what truly optimal hormone therapy looks like.

    Are you ready to awaken your sensuality and feel more empowered in your body? Access the FREE Pleasure Upgrade Bundle at https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/gift.


    Dr. Jila Senemar, M.D., FACOG is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with over 20 years of experience who has become one of the leading voices in menopause optimization. She's the founder of JilaMD, a concierge practice in Miami specializing in personalized hormone therapy, metabolic optimization, and longevity science. Dr. Jila is also the founder of the Miami Menopause Collective, where she collaborates with women to create truly individualized treatment plans. What sets Dr. Jila apart is her commitment to helping women thrive—not just manage symptoms—in their second half of life through evidence-based, personalized care.


    Highlights from our discussion include:

    • The four pillars of HRT - estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and vaginal estrogen - and why each one matters
    • What to do when HRT isn't working - Dr. Jila's detective process for troubleshooting failed hormone therapy
    • The controversial truth about hormone levels - why so many women are actually undertreated and what optimal ranges really look like
    • How to personalize and optimize your protocol as your body evolves through different life stages
    • The metabolic connection - cutting-edge insights on how hormones and metabolism work together
    • The holistic approach - why lifestyle factors and emotional healing are just as important as the hormones themselves
    • How to advocate for better care and ask the right questions to get the optimization you deserve


    If you're seeking to reclaim your pleasure and vitality, join Gabriella at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.pleasureinthepause.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for this enlightening journey into the heart of female pleasure and empowerment.


    CONNECT WITH DR. JILA:

    Website

    Instagram


    LINKS MENTIONED:

    The Menopause Society

    Dr. Mary Claire Haver


    CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:

    Instagram

    LinkedIn

    Work with Gabriella! 

    Full episodes on YouTube.

    The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

    1 hr 12 min

About Pleasure in the Pause: Midlife Conversations About Menopause, Sex & Pleasure

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Pleasure in the Pause is a podcast for women navigating midlife, menopause and beyond who want to feel more connected to their bodies,…

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